Clearwater Beach’s two-week ode to all things sandy has commenced, and this year’s theme pays homage to ‘merica’s big birthday, our Olympians and Hulk Hogan.

The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, Florida’s largest sand sculpting event, kicked off March 27 and runs through April 12.

The 2026 theme, “United in Sand: Celebrating Sports & Spirit,” turns more than 1,000 tons of Clearwater Beach sand into a walk-through art exhibit inside a 24,000-square-foot tent. 18 master sand sculptors from around the world bring everything from ballerinas and motorcycles to football scenes and late Clearwater legend Hogan to life.

The festival also has an immersive installation honoring America’s 250th anniversary. Beyond the sculptures, expect free concerts, fireworks lighting up the Gulf and a lineup of activities ranging from sand sculpting and line-dancing classes to beach yoga and even a special VW car show.

There’s also a Ferris wheel, bounce houses and a lineup of artisans and food vendors lining Pier 60 Park.

Tickets start at $16 (free for kids 5 and under) for Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, happening now through Sunday, April 12 in Clearwater Beach.